2023: FRSC URGES ENUGU RESIDENTS TO OBEY TRAFFIC RULES, MAINTAIN LANE DISCIPLINE
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Tuesday, urged residents of Enugu State to obey traffic rules, especially traffic control lights mounted within Enugu and Nsukka metropolises in 2023.
The Sector Commander of FRSC, Enugu State Command, Mr. Joseph Toby, made his views known to journalists in Enugu after monitoring major road corridors of the state as part of the ongoing “Operation Zero Tolerance to Road Traffic Crashes.”
Mr. Toby noted that the state government had done noble work by placing traffic control lights in most junctions within the metropolises to ease traffic and keep orderliness on the road.
According to Mr. Toby, it is still baffling to see most motorists, especially commercial vehicles, driving as if they do not notice the traffic light or the signs (communication) it is sending out.
“In 2023, our motorists should make use of the traffic light control for their own safety, ease of traffic and ensuring orderliness since beating the traffic light control most times causes avoidable traffic jams.
“Another issue is that of maintaining lane discipline while on the roads.
“We have observed that the daily hold-ups in some internal routes within Enugu metropolis are caused by drivers not maintaining lane discipline and following a queue to ensure flow even where there is slight hold-up.
“Due to lack of lane discipline among drivers, a simple hold up that should take a few minutes to ease and clear off; you spend over two hours within roads inside the metropolis.
“So, you find out that people might have a very smooth and timely journey from the major corridors to the state and when you enter into the metropolis proper, you spend more time on the road,” he said.
He called on the residents to be accommodating while on the road, pointing out that the road does not belong to anybody.
“The road is not a place you go and claim right; as what you can avoid, you avoid for your own safety.
“Do not struggle with anyone on the road as your family members, friends and well wishers are waiting for your safe arrival; so apply caution and restrain in all you do on the road,” he warned.
The Sector Commander also reminded residents to avoid night journeys, due to the inherent dangers of a driver likely dozing off or an armed robbery attack.
“You also have difficulty getting help at night to attend to vehicle breakdown or health issues of any passenger,” he said.
On the ongoing ”Operation Zero Tolerance to Road Traffic Crashes”, Toby noted that the state had continued to witness increased traffic as a transit state but low rate of traffic crashes to be compared with previous Yuletide season (2021-2022).”
The Sector Commander noted that the command had enjoyed a robust cordial working relationship with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on its “Operation Eagle Eye” in major road corridors in the state.
He said that the FRSC had continued to receive cooperation from Nigerian Army, Police, NSCDC, state Ministry of Transport as well as Federal and State Fire Services.
“We had course to call on them recently at odd hours and they responded satisfactorily to our calls to assist the corps,” he said.
Mr. Toby also commended FRSC headquarters for its support to the command for a hitch-free operation, especially with the brand new tow truck that had been used to clear obstructions in most roads within the state.
“Dial 122 (toll-free) or 08077690901 to contact the FRSC or the command in case of any complaint – whether mechanical, traffic or even health – on the roads or a need for FRSC tow truck services.
“We wish Nigerians a Prosperous and Safe New Year, especially those that will be using or passing through road corridors within the state to return to their workplaces or businesses,” he added.
The operation, which was scheduled to last for 25 days, started on Dec. 20, 2022 and would end on Jan. 15, 2023.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
